Technology Programs
Diploma in Enterprise Management
__Companion Animal
__Dairy Farm
__Equine
__Farming
__Greenhouse and Nursery
Environmental Horticulture
Plant Science Technology
Veterinary Technology

Technology Programs

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College offers specialized two-year programs to prepare students for careers associated with laboratory techniques in Veterinary Technology, and with the practice of Environmental Horticulture, Plant Science and Enterprise Management. These studies lead to a Diploma of Technology in each of these areas.

GENERAL INFORMATION
A candidate for these programs may qualify for admission with high school completion or equivalent. See syllabus of each program for specific admission requirements.
Each candidate must be available for an interview, if requested.
Students who successfully complete all the requirements will be granted a Diploma of Technology. A High Honours diploma will be awarded to a student who has attained an average of at least 90%, and an Honours diploma will be awarded to one who has attained an average of at least 80%.

Diploma in Enterprise Management

The Diploma in Enterprise Management (DEM) is a program designed to provide the fundamentals of business management and at the same time allow students to specialize in one of the following areas: dairy, farming, equine, companion animal, or greenhouse and nursery. This two-year technology program provides students with the management, communication, and leadership skills necessary to manage a business such as a farm, stable, pet, food, or greenhouse and nursery retail operation. Careers in marketing, sales, or service are other options.

Graduation Requirements:
Students are required to successfully complete all of the required courses in their selected program with a cumulative average of 60%. Students must also satisfactorily complete the internship as required by specific options.

Students choose one of the following options:

Companion Animal – This specialization is best suited for students interested in working in the pet industry as either owners or managers of pet-related businesses. Sales and service are other areas of employment, e.g. managing the pet section of a department store or selling pet-care products to other businesses. Along with the business courses, students will study the care and management of small animals, reptiles, and fish.

Equine – This specialization is designed specifically for those students interested in someday owning or managing an equine-related business. It provides students who have a passionate interest in horses the opportunity to study something they love and at the same time receive a solid business education that is directly transferable to any type of business operation.

Farming – Students planning to operate/manage a farm or who wish to work in the agricultural industry in sales or service should choose this specialization. Along with the primary emphasis on business, students pick and choose among a number of livestock, field crop, or horticulture electives to develop a program best suited to their long-term career interests.

Greenhouse and Nursery – This program is designed for people who are passionate about plants and would like a business career in a "green" and "growing" industry. Along with a solid business education, this program provides a detailed understanding of the production and marketing of ornamental plants including greenhouse- and field-grown nursery stock, and of greenhouse vegetable crops such tomatoes and cucumbers. Career possibilities include: owner of a greenhouse operation focused on bedding plants, manager of a garden centre, and production manager of field nursery stock.

Some of the options – Companion Animal, Farming, and Greenhouse and Nursery – have an internship requirement for the spring and summer semesters. Students will be expected to obtain employment in their area of specialty and complete a designated list of competencies. The employers will be expected to complete an assessment of the student's performance. See the course descriptions for more details.

Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the DEM will be granted a Technology Diploma and thus become Associates of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. It is the student's responsibility to see that the requirements for the diploma are fulfilled. Students who wish to continue on to complete a degree will be given advanced standing in NSAC's degree programs.

• Grade 12 Academic English
• Grade 11 Academic Mathematics
• Biology 11 or Chemistry 11 or Agriculture
• Integrated Science 10 or equivalent.

In addition, the following are required for entry into specific programs:
Dairy – The student is expected to be experienced in the care and handling of dairy animals. Resumés and letters of recommendation demonstrating practical experience and knowledge will be required.

Equine – The student is expected to be experienced in the care and handling of horses. An Equine Competency Form must be completed. This form can be found online at www.nsac.ca/equine/entrance.asp.

DIPLOMA IN ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT –
Farming

*  Workplace Readiness course

**  ANSC0115 Introduction to Animal Production is appropriate for students who wish to take only one livestock course during their program. It is not suitable for students interested in concentrating on livestock production.

***  Students can select elective courses from a number of areas including agronomy, horticulture, and animal science. Distance Education courses on specific topic areas such as beef and sheep are also available. Students will need to consult with the Farming Program Advisor to assist in the selection of courses best suited to their future career plans.

DIPLOMA IN ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT –
Greenhouse and Nursery

*  Workplace Readiness course

**Students can select elective courses from a number of areas including agronomy, horticulture, and animal sciences. Students will need to consult with the Greenhouse and Nursery Program Advisor to assist in the selection of courses best suited to their future career paths.

Veterinary Technology

The Veterinary Technology Program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge required to enter veterinary practice as technical assistants to veterinarians. Veterinary technicians have also made successful careers in a variety of other fields, including the management of animal shelters; research with animals in universities and for private companies; sales for veterinary supply companies; and employment with zoos and in wildlife rehabilitation.
The Veterinary Technology Program at NSAC is a two-year program with four standard semesters and an intersession after the first year. In addition to on-campus learning there are off-campus externships at the Atlantic Veterinary College and in general veterinary practices. To reflect the major employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the program is oriented mainly towards companion animals. The modest large-animal content is appropriate for graduates entering mixed practice and for those who wish to further develop their livestock or equine competence. Under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the VT program's Boulden Animal Clinic, students learn the skills and tasks required of them in companion animal practice.
The Veterinary Technology Program at NSAC is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The animal facilities are approved for teaching by the Canadian Council on Animal Care. The Animal Clinic is accredited by the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association.

Admission Requirements
Admission into the Veterinary Technology program requires high school graduation with an average of at least 60% in five Grade 12 university preparatory subjects:

• English
• Pre-Calculus Mathematics (or 70% in Academic Mathematics)
• Chemistry
• Biology
• one elective.

*  Electives must be approved by the Program Coordinator